The Left Front has been facing a challenge on numerous issues, including higher salaries to the state government employees and rising unemployment.

Both the CPI-M led ruling Left Front as well as the Congress-led opposition alliance are optimistic of forming the next government in Tripura after Thursday's polling saw more than 92 percent voters casting their ballots.

"We shall win in more seats this time compared to the last assembly elections in 2008 and our vote share would increase substantially," said Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) state secretary Bijan Dhar immediately after the polling ended at 4 p.m.

Accusing the Congress workers of trying to create troubles in some places, Dhar said that in most places, people cast their votes in festive mood.

"We are happy with the casting of votes and peaceful polling. In the previous elections in 2008 and 2003, the heavy turn-out went in favour of Left Front."

Accusing the Left parties of intimidating voters, the Congress said it was hopeful of victory.

"The Congress-Indigenous Nationalist Party of Tripura-Nationalist Conference of Tripura alliance in Tripura will form the next government," said state Congress chief Sudip Roy Barman, who contested from the Agartala assembly constituency.

The Left Front, which has been in power since 1978 barring 1988-1993, has been facing a challenge on numerous issues, including higher salaries to the state government employees and rising unemployment.

In 2008, the Left registered a thumping victory. The CPI-M alone won 46 seats and partners Communist Party of India and Revolutionary Socialist Party secured one and two seats respectively. The Congress bagged 10 seats and the INPT one.

Chief Electoral Officer Ashutosh Jindal said: "Over 92 percent of the 23.5 lakh (2.35 million) voters have cast their votes across the state," adding the percentage might still go jup after reports on the day's balloting arrive from all over the state.

Tripura recorded around 92 percent polling in the last assembly elections held in 2008.

The ballots will be counted Feb 28 and decide the electoral fate of 249 candidates, including 15 women and many Independents, in the fray.

In the wake of threats from separatists and possible violence, a record 40,000 security personnel were deployed while two air surveillance teams led by police officials also kept vigil, an election official said.

After casting his vote at a school here, Chief Minister Manik Sarkar, said: "The Left Front will get more votes and more seats this time too."

Tripura, ravaged by insurgency for decades, has 60 assembly seats with 20 reserved for tribals and 10 for Scheduled Castes. Of the total 37 lakh population of the state, 23.5 lakh were eligible to exercise their franchise.

After a month-long high-voltage campaign, the ruling CPI-M led Left Front is locked in a direct fight against the opposition combine of the Congress and the INPT.

The Left Front, which has been in power since 1978 barring one term (1988-1993), has been facing a challenge in numerous issues, including higher salaries to the government employees and rising unemployment.